SISTER MARY JANICE MAY of the Sisters of Mercy died Saturday (November 9, 2013) in Hartford. Baptized Helene Catherine, Sister was born in Bridgeport on August 4, 1925 to the late John and Sarah (Newton) May. At the completion of high school, Sister Janice entered the Sisters of Mercy and in September was thrust into a classroom where she remained for 22 years, teaching grades three through eight in Catholic schools around the state. She also served as principal of Our Lady of Mercy Country Day School in Madison and St. Francis School in Torrington. While in Torrington, Sister served on the first parish Board of Education in the Archdiocese of Hartford. During these same years Sister earned a B.S. degree in Education from St. Joseph College in West Hartford and a M.Ed. degree in Administration from Boston College. Later she also did extensive post-graduate studies at both St. Joseph College and Fairfield University. Sister Janice spent the past 35 years, her happiest, at Our Lady of Mercy Academy, Lauralton Hall in Milford ministering as teacher, guidance counselor, and Admissions Director. Since her retirement in 2003, she continued service there as volunteer staff assistant until her move to West Hartford a few months ago. In 1990 Sister was honored by Lauralton with the Mother Mary Augustine Claven Award. Her love for Lauralton was as great as Lauralton's love for her. Students, faculty and friends describe her as intelligent, gracious, kind, considerate and happy. She was interested in others and always compassionate, especially toward the sick. Preceded in death by three sisters – Evelyn Fritz, Doris May and Janice Landy – Sister Janice is survived by many devoted nieces and nephews, grand and great-grand nieces and nephews and her sisters in the Mercy community. Her life will be celebrated with a Mass of the Resurrection on Wednesday at 6:00PM in the chapel at St. Mary Home, 2021 Albany Ave., West Hartford. The sisters and family will receive visitors in the chapel from 3-5PM prior to the funeral. Burial will be on Thursday at 9:00AM in St. Mary Cemetery. Those wishing to make a donation in Sister's memory are asked to consider the Academy of Our Lady of Mercy, Lauralton Hall, 200 High St., Milford 06460 or the Sisters of Mercy, 155 East Cedar St., Newington 06111. To leave a memory with the family please visit www.dillonbaxter.com.